I Rode My Bike Today...

Brown/El P with @rossage this morning. Later start due to the chill factor. The thermo read as low as 36F along the way up. We had it almost all to ourselves. What a difference a weekday makes. Saw no more than a half dozen humans going up and probably even less going down.
One e-biker. Super duper, hero dirt was thoroughly enjoyed. :cool:
 
Tom the Bomb said:
Syc a more yesterday. While climbing up Bridges to the telephone line rd I run into none other than the climbing beast himself @Grego! He decided to keep me company and give me a tour of the south side. We had great day. Got to see Greg roll BFR! Nice @Grego !
15.66, 1846.
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Yep, best place to ride after a rain - Sycamore in Riverside. 10am ish start and solo. Saw @scan post up he'd be there @ 7:30 but too early for me. Figured I might see him finishing up but nope. Took the WFO9 since I still had not tested out the newly laced rim. Headed straight for BFR. Rolled the mini and surrounding off camber backside but did not roll BFR proper. Not going to do that solo... Continued on along the perimeter of the park counter clockwise. Hero dirt, tons of singletrack choices.:thumbsup: Rounding down to 3 bridges eastbound I know I'm going to HAB up after crossing the stream. One biker coming down so I waited. As he climbed up 3 bridges I recognize it's @Tom the Bomb ! We chat for a few then I realized riding with TTB is a way better option than HAB. The climb up the Poles is still a bitch but went by quick in conversation. Checked out the jump site... too big.:notworthy: Worked our way back to the southside where Tom was not that familiar. Rock Salad on the menu and Shizzle 2.0. Heading back we pass BFR. I figured what the heck, at least Tom can call 911 if I crash.:laugh: Approached the apex with too much speed.:eek: Rear brake check skidded on the granite. Whoosh! Rolled down with lightening speed. I don't think I used the brakes after the check, and certainly not the front brake like some have suggested.:confused: What a rush and great day riding with Tom. Ended up with a bigger ride than planned. 25/2700:cool:
 
Wow !! This was a good one.
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:sleep:
 
I think @mtnbikej and I might have been on the same mountain as @Old&InTheWay :thumbsup:

Motorway trip #99 in the books. 30s most of the way up... Until it dropped well into the 20s. 20s lasted most of the way across Main Divide. Feeling returned to my fingers about the time we got to Motorway. :p

Social pace- we chatted all the way. At the top of Motorway, as I was dealing with frozen fingers, I heard what sounded like a kitty cat trying to clear a fur ball. Probably a hundred yards (or more) away, but it was out there. Ringing the bell usually prompted a semi-snarling answer... I looked over my shoulder several times heading down Motorway. :cautious:

17.5/3700

I'll let the pictures do the explaining. No pictures on Motorway, though... Just the trip to get there.

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Faust29 said:
I think @mtnbikej and I might have been on the same mountain as @Old&InTheWay :thumbsup:

Motorway trip #99 in he books. 30s most of the way up... Until it dropped well into the 20s. 20s lasted most of the way across Main Divide. Feeling returned to my fingers about the time we got to Motorway. :p

Social pace- we chatted all the way. At the top of Motorway, as I was dealing with frozen fingers, I heard what sounded like a kitty cat trying to clear a fur ball. Probably a hundred yards (or more) away, but it was out there. Ringing the bell usually prompted a semi-snarling answer... I looked over my shoulder several times heading down Motorway. :cautious:

17.5/3700

I'll let the pictures do the explaining. No pictures on Motorway, though... Just the trip to get there.

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Such an awesome night on the mountain.

@Faust29 wanted a Maple / Motorway night ride....and right now the weather is good. So we went.

It was warm'ish when we started....only cause we were in the sun. Ditched the jackets early. Arm warmers were gone by the end of the pavement.

Very social pace up the dirt. Only saw 1 hiker up a ways.

You could feel the temps drop....but I was comfortable all the way to 4 Corners. Snow was a little lower than Sunday morning.....but it was more like frozen slush.

Short break at 4 Corners to decided on clothing options for the ride across Main Divide. 26* at 4 Corners.....warmer than I thought it would be.
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Main Divide is Main Divide....but it's always a fun jaunt.

The sunset made it really cool.
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Made top of Motorway just after dark.

As we were getting ready to roll.....Steve says "did something just make noise?" So we listened..... This is what we heard:


Of course we were the only ones on Motorway tonight. Opened it up in some spots, held back in some others. My fingers were cold so braking was a bit.....odd.

Can't complain....only thing missing was @theProfessor.

Spectacular night to be on the mountain riding bikes.
 
Maple Springs to Santiago Peak 24.29 miles 4,298 feet ( Note- In the weather the Garmin was misbehaving and actual totals were higher )

If the wind had been blowing, it would have been prohibitively cold for going up to the peak. As it turned out it was a very manageable 21 degrees :eek:
The body was hurting a bit but my cup runneth over with satisfaction.
Lost about an hour of time because of multiple stoppages for road work on Silverado Canyon Road. When I got to the parking area, half of it was blocked off for heavy equipment turn around and a huge semi was preventing me from making a u-turn. Had to dive backwards till I got to a place to turn around, and then wait again at a stop before getting to a place to park about 1/2 mile from the gate.
At the gate it was 55 degrees so I was just had on a light base layer with an unzipped soft sell. Of course down below I was wearing a pair of wool leggings covered by a pair of polyester leggings and wool ski socks under sealskinz knee high waterproof sock. Over doing it at the start but necessary for point beyond. When I got off the pavement on to dirt the temp. quickly dropped to 41 degrees at the 1st guard rails Put on a hard shell at that point. At Dead Mans Curve started seeing legitimate patches of snow, 35degrees. At about 1 1/2 miles below 4 Corners started riding on the crunchy snow and ice all the rest of the way up. At 4 C's 31 degrees, took Main Divide up to Modjeska.
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Rolled through the saddle and up to a good spot to view the sunset.
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Now it was 26 degrees. Added some more upper body insulation, warmer gloves with extra liners, and put on 3L Gore-Tex pants. When I was putting the pants on, took off the Gore-Tex boots I was wearing and was walking around just wearing the wool and Sealskinz socks . Feet were not cold at all, good stuff. Was thinking about doing the sensible thing and turning around in time to be able to pick up some good eats on the way home, but felt like I needed to go just another 1/4 mile to get some more mileage and elevation in. That I did and wound up enjoying it so much that I couldn't stop.
After the sun set I got the bonus of riding under an almost full moon.
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One thing I found very interesting is that when I was at the peak and it was 21 degrees, because there was no wind when I took my gloves off to take photos my hands did not hurt at all. Never experienced that up there before. Going back down on 6 1/2 miles of crunchy snow and ice was super fun. This year's snow is friendlier than want has fallen in the Santa Anas in recent years. No spills, only 2 dabs the whole way. On the way back through the Saddle, wind did start to blow a bit. Had to stop and put on a balaclava and my warmest gloves. One of the best Santiago Peak rides ever for me. :thumbsup:
 
mtnbikej said:
Such an awesome night on the mountain.

@Faust29 wanted a Maple / Motorway night ride....and right now the weather is good. So we went.

It was warm'ish when we started....only cause we were in the sun. Ditched the jackets early. Arm warmers were gone by the end of the pavement.

Very social pace up the dirt. Only saw 1 hiker up a ways.

You could feel the temps drop....but I was comfortable all the way to 4 Corners. Snow was a little lower than Sunday morning.....but it was more like frozen slush.

Short break at 4 Corners to decided on clothing options for the ride across Main Divide. 26* at 4 Corners.....warmer than I thought it would be.
View attachment 72626 View attachment 72627

Main Divide is Main Divide....but it's always a fun jaunt.

The sunset made it really cool.
View attachment 72628 View attachment 72629

Made top of Motorway just after dark.

As we were getting ready to roll.....Steve says "did something just make noise?" So we listened..... This is what we heard:


Of course we were the only ones on Motorway tonight. Opened it up in some spots, held back in some others. My fingers were cold so braking was a bit.....odd.

Can't complain....only thing missing was @theProfessor.

Spectacular night to be on the mountain riding bikes.
Click to expand...
Old&InTheWay said:
Maple Springs to Santiago Peak 24.29 miles 4,298 feet ( Note- In the weather the Garmin was misbehaving and actual totals were higher )

If the wind had been blowing, it would have been prohibitively cold for going up to the peak. As it turned out it was a very manageable 21 degrees :eek:
The body was hurting a bit but my cup runneth over with satisfaction.
Lost about an hour of time because of multiple stoppages for road work on Silverado Canyon Road. When I got to the parking area, half of it was blocked off for heavy equipment turn around and a huge semi was preventing me from making a u-turn. Had to dive backwards till I got to a place to turn around, and then wait again at a stop before getting to a place to park about 1/2 mile from the gate.
At the gate it was 55 degrees so I was just had on a light base layer with an unzipped soft sell. Of course down below I was wearing a pair of wool leggings covered by a pair of polyester leggings and wool ski socks under sealskinz knee high waterproof sock. Over doing it at the start but necessary for point beyond. When I got off the pavement on to dirt the temp. quickly dropped to 41 degrees at the 1st guard rails Put on a hard shell at that point. At Dead Mans Curve started seeing legitimate patches of snow, 35degrees. At about 1 1/2 miles below 4 Corners started riding on the crunchy snow and ice all the rest of the way up. At 4 C's 31 degrees, took Main Divide up to Modjeska.
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Rolled through the saddle and up to a good spot to view the sunset.
View attachment 72640
Now it was 26 degrees. Added some more upper body insulation, warmer gloves with extra liners, and put on 3L Gore-Tex pants. When I was putting the pants on, took off the Gore-Tex boots I was wearing and was walking around just wearing the wool and Sealskinz socks . Feet were not cold at all, good stuff. Was thinking about doing the sensible thing and turning around in time to be able to pick up some good eats on the way home, but felt like I needed to go just another 1/4 mile to get some more mileage and elevation in. That I did and wound up enjoying it so much that I couldn't stop.
After the sun set I got the bonus of riding under an almost full moon.
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One thing I found very interesting is that when I was at the peak and it was 21 degrees, because there was no wind when I took my gloves off to take photos my hands did not hurt at all. Never experienced that up there before. Going back down on 6 1/2 miles of crunchy snow and ice was super fun. This year's snow is friendlier than want has fallen in the Santa Anas in recent years. No spills, only 2 dabs the whole way. On the way back through the Saddle, wind did start to blow a bit. Had to stop and put on a balaclava and my warmest gloves. One of the best Santiago Peak rides ever for me. :thumbsup:
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It appears there is magic dust in the Santa Ana’s this week, everyone has been coming back from the ride with extra stoke. :thumbsup: I can’t wait to go back for more.
 
Old&InTheWay said:
Maple Springs to Santiago Peak 24.29 miles 4,298 feet ( Note- In the weather the Garmin was misbehaving and actual totals were higher )

If the wind had been blowing, it would have been prohibitively cold for going up to the peak. As it turned out it was a very manageable 21 degrees :eek:
The body was hurting a bit but my cup runneth over with satisfaction.
Lost about an hour of time because of multiple stoppages for road work on Silverado Canyon Road. When I got to the parking area, half of it was blocked off for heavy equipment turn around and a huge semi was preventing me from making a u-turn. Had to dive backwards till I got to a place to turn around, and then wait again at a stop before getting to a place to park about 1/2 mile from the gate.
At the gate it was 55 degrees so I was just had on a light base layer with an unzipped soft sell. Of course down below I was wearing a pair of wool leggings covered by a pair of polyester leggings and wool ski socks under sealskinz knee high waterproof sock. Over doing it at the start but necessary for point beyond. When I got off the pavement on to dirt the temp. quickly dropped to 41 degrees at the 1st guard rails Put on a hard shell at that point. At Dead Mans Curve started seeing legitimate patches of snow, 35degrees. At about 1 1/2 miles below 4 Corners started riding on the crunchy snow and ice all the rest of the way up. At 4 C's 31 degrees, took Main Divide up to Modjeska.
View attachment 72638
View attachment 72639
Rolled through the saddle and up to a good spot to view the sunset.
View attachment 72640
Now it was 26 degrees. Added some more upper body insulation, warmer gloves with extra liners, and put on 3L Gore-Tex pants. When I was putting the pants on, took off the Gore-Tex boots I was wearing and was walking around just wearing the wool and Sealskinz socks . Feet were not cold at all, good stuff. Was thinking about doing the sensible thing and turning around in time to be able to pick up some good eats on the way home, but felt like I needed to go just another 1/4 mile to get some more mileage and elevation in. That I did and wound up enjoying it so much that I couldn't stop.
After the sun set I got the bonus of riding under an almost full moon.
View attachment 72641
View attachment 72642
View attachment 72643
One thing I found very interesting is that when I was at the peak and it was 21 degrees, because there was no wind when I took my gloves off to take photos my hands did not hurt at all. Never experienced that up there before. Going back down on 6 1/2 miles of crunchy snow and ice was super fun. This year's snow is friendlier than want has fallen in the Santa Anas in recent years. No spills, only 2 dabs the whole way. On the way back through the Saddle, wind did start to blow a bit. Had to stop and put on a balaclava and my warmest gloves. One of the best Santiago Peak rides ever for me. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...
This should be a ride report
 
mtnbikej said:
Such an awesome night on the mountain.

@Faust29 wanted a Maple / Motorway night ride....and right now the weather is good. So we went.

It was warm'ish when we started....only cause we were in the sun. Ditched the jackets early. Arm warmers were gone by the end of the pavement.

Very social pace up the dirt. Only saw 1 hiker up a ways.

You could feel the temps drop....but I was comfortable all the way to 4 Corners. Snow was a little lower than Sunday morning.....but it was more like frozen slush.

Short break at 4 Corners to decided on clothing options for the ride across Main Divide. 26* at 4 Corners.....warmer than I thought it would be.
View attachment 72626 View attachment 72627

Main Divide is Main Divide....but it's always a fun jaunt.

The sunset made it really cool.
View attachment 72628 View attachment 72629

Made top of Motorway just after dark.

As we were getting ready to roll.....Steve says "did something just make noise?" So we listened..... This is what we heard:


Of course we were the only ones on Motorway tonight. Opened it up in some spots, held back in some others. My fingers were cold so braking was a bit.....odd.

Can't complain....only thing missing was @theProfessor.

Spectacular night to be on the mountain riding bikes.
Click to expand...
Oh man! I’ve heard that cry only once in all my years in the mtns, and it was hair-raising to say the least!:eek:
 
Quite the adventure today with hubby, daughter and the dogs. We didn’t want to drive so tried an old access road that’s become rutted, overgrown, including maybe 9 or so downed trees. I had fun, the other two...not so much, they’re not as adventurous;) In their defense, it was darn cold, wind chill was in the low 20’s we (and the bikes)were covered in mud, debris and snow.
Honestly I’d do that again, just solo next time so I can get a real ride in after all the HAB, and bushwhacking.
I’m not a good baby sitter :whistling:

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mountaingirl sara said:
Quite the adventure today with hubby, daughter and the dogs. We didn’t want to drive so tried an old access road that’s become rutted, overgrown, including maybe 9 or so downed trees. I had fun, the other two...not so much, they’re not as adventurous;) In their defense, it was darn cold, wind chill was in the low 20’s we (and the bikes)were covered in mud, debris and snow.
Honestly I’d do that again, just solo next time so I can get a real ride in after all the HAB, and bushwhacking.
I’m not a good baby sitter :whistling:

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Did you get your handlebar/arm fatigue issue straightened out?
 
Well, another ride report of maple springs-motorway. Solo. Parked at the gate lot today and started pedaling around 845, temps were maybe low 40s. Had to take the jacket off before the pavement ended. But kept my warm gloves on till motorway. Saw the first snow patches around 3500’ and from there the temp dropped to perhaps just above freezing. Some puddles in the shade were still frozen solid. The last shady half mile below 4c had a layer of dry crunchy snow with slippery ice in the tire ruts. Snow wasn’t even very slushy in the sun. Unlike my pre-covid Wed instances of this ride, I didn’t quite have it all to myself. Saw a few hikers, bikers, ranger trucks, and motos. But not what I’d call busy. Couple of guys started pedaling up MD towards modjeska, snow looked pretty thick there. Saw them again soon. Dropping towards motorway, snow was mostly gone after half a mile or so., ending in a fun mud pit. A few snow remnants in the shade on that last tough climb towards Bedford. Weather remained chilly. I think today was the strongest I’ve ever felt on the MS climb. While chilling at the top of motorway, got a call from the wife that her 87 year old father couldn’t get out of bed, so I rushed home and was my fastest time ever down motorway. But by the time I got home, he rallied and was ok.
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After 3 straight rides in sub freezing temps, I was lacking a bit of motivation.

So last minute I decided to head over to check out Whiting and STT.

Finally got on my bike @ 3:30. Not really a fan of going up the Whiting from the backside.....but you gotta do what you gotta do. Fortunately there wasn't any traffic. Lots of deer in Whiting....good to see that. Didn't feel that great going up Whiting Ranch Rd, but it's over quickly.

Out the back of the park after 4 Corners. Still felt like crap going up Modjeska Grade. Once on STT I was in shock about how wide they graded the trail...how far into the hills side the road was cut. It was familiar but different. At times I wasn't sure where I was. It did make the climb easier......and my legs finally started to come around. I do kinda like what they did with the DH down to the Luge. Converting it back to singletrack was nice to see. Let's hope it stays that way.

At the flag, I didn't stop, and just dropped into the Luge. I saw a rider a ways down and figured he'd make it down before I caught him....nope, caught him before the creek crossing. No worries he pulled over and let me by.

Roadie'd back up Santiago Canyon and re entered Whiting at 4 Corners with a quick up/back to Mark's Bench....which still hasn't been replaced.

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Down Cactus, up Saddleback Ranch Rd.....with is now covered in baby heads. Vulture over to Sage Scrub. It was starting to get a little dark. Serrano Cow, Live Oak and out.

Temps in the 50's most of the time felt like summer.

16/2600'
 
mtnbikej said:
After 3 straight rides in sub freezing temps, I was lacking a bit of motivation.

So last minute I decided to head over to check out Whiting and STT.

Finally got on my bike @ 3:30. Not really a fan of going up the Whiting from the backside.....but you gotta do what you gotta do. Fortunately there wasn't any traffic. Lots of deer in Whiting....good to see that. Didn't feel that great going up Whiting Ranch Rd, but it's over quickly.

Out the back of the park after 4 Corners. Still felt like crap going up Modjeska Grade. Once on STT I was in shock about how wide they graded the trail...how far into the hills side the road was cut. It was familiar but different. At times I wasn't sure where I was. It did make the climb easier......and my legs finally started to come around. I do kinda like what they did with the DH down to the Luge. Converting it back to singletrack was nice to see. Let's hope it stays that way.

At the flag, I didn't stop, and just dropped into the Luge. I saw a rider a ways down and figured he'd make it down before I caught him....nope, caught him before the creek crossing. No worries he pulled over and let me by.

Roadie'd back up Santiago Canyon and re entered Whiting at 4 Corners with a quick up/back to Mark's Bench....which still hasn't been replaced.

View attachment 72661 View attachment 72662

Down Cactus, up Saddleback Ranch Rd.....with is now covered in baby heads. Vulture over to Sage Scrub. It was starting to get a little dark. Serrano Cow, Live Oak and out.

Temps in the 50's most of the time felt like summer.

16/2600'
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Those clouds... :geek:
 
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